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There are many books out there that teach kids to accept others on equal terms, but not enough books that teach kids to appreciate themselves. When kids start developing self-awareness, they are afraid to make waves and just want to be like their friends. I like books that encourage kids not to be afraid to stand out. This book shows the kids that nothing is wrong with being different, that diversity is cool and that your quirks make you shine. Kudos to the author for that!
I didn't realize at first that it was a kids' book. After I have finished reading the book, I decided to read the story to my 7 years old son and hear his opinion about this. The images were far too small to be read from my kindle, so I had to read him the story from the PC. My son love stories very much, so he was happy enough to listen and see the pictures on the PC. Although he prefers traditional books, he didn't mind the format at all.
According to the blurb, Jimmy Vee is known around the world as the "Five Foot High Marketing Guy." The book is based on his story I presume. Little Jimmy, the protagonist of the book, is a small guy with a big mission: to spread around the word that "Best things really do come in unique packages". Short he may be, but it sure didn't stop him from reaching his goals. Jimmy aims to help kids to find out what makes them unique and to teach them to take advantages of their strongest attributes. The message comes out loud and clear: being different is a gift and should be treated as such. To come on top, one has to believe in himself.
Being different is hard on a kid. My son is of the age where he learns that everyone is different and one shouldn't judge others, or be judged, by matters of size, race or other factors. The author manages to successfully convene the idea that it doesn't matter how you look, what matter is how you use your differences to the best. As I repeatedly tell my kids, the world would be a boring place indeed if we all looked and acted the same. To sum up in the author own words: "same is lame". One should respect others and respect himself to boot.
The book is simply written and it is great for ages 4-8. It was repetitive at times and I also found it a bit "preachy". I prefer stories in which the message is read between the lines so to speak. Other than that it was fine. What more, my son liked the story and didn't mind the preachy aspect. He is learning to find his own place in society and was encouraged by the idea that being different makes him a better person not less. He thought that being short is rather cool and liked the hero.
The book ends up with an empty page titled "What's unique about you" and the kids have to think about their own strengths in order to fill up the page. I liked the fact that the author gave the reader this option. I also liked author's positive outlook on life. I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars and recommend it as a great book for kids. My son enjoyed the story and was captured by the pictures. The illustrations are awesome and fit the text like a glove. I would certainly recommend this book as an inspiring book for kids!
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Buy "Little Jimmy Says, "Same Is Lame"" on Amazon